just wondering, what is your oppinon of B.F. mothers??

Question

i B.F. my little girl for 19 months, and my sister didn't and every one who asks alwways has a comment about what we did, or didn't do.
i was told that i B.F. for too long, and should have stopped after 6 months,and my sis was told that she didn't try hard enough with her bubba.
i've also noticed that a few of my friends are so worried about what others are thinking of them and how they feed their babies. do any other mothers feel this?
i know that there are two Q's in this but if you could answer hem it would be helpful.

Answer 1

Breastfeeding is one of the most hot topics on this board. Breast feeding proponents feel that there is no other right solution, sometimes even when there are extenuating circumstances. Bottle feeding moms are criticized for their 'choice' (which is not always actually a choice).

It is great that you were able to breastfeed your daughter for so long. She no doubt benefitted greatly from the antibodies and nutrition you naturally passed to her. No, it was not too long.

For your sister, breastfeeding did not work out. Obviously, there was a reason. She should not be criticized for it. Fortunately for all moms for whom breast feeding is not an option or simply does not work out, formulas have come a long way now that many contain DHA and ARA and other key nutrients. No, they are not the same as breast milk, and never will be. But they have come a long way and are a whole lot more nutritious and beneficial than formulas were just 10 years ago.

Why people feel the need to comment on feeding choices/decisions/practices of other moms? I see being impassioned on your own decision, but why feel the need to make others feel bad/criticize their practices? How can people do that without knowing all of the details? (And even then, what would inspire them to make it their business?)

Answer 2

I work full time and breastfeed exclusively, so it can be done.

I think Breastfeeding moms are smart and will get the benefits to their own health from nursing as well as for the baby. Did you know that mothers who nurse have lower rates of breast and other cancers?

I also nurse until at least 2 years of age. I hope that everyone goes until at least 1 year if they have the choice. I think that you went to 18 months is so awesome! You and and the baby will be so much healthier.

I really am not worried about what other people think. In fact, I think breastfeeding moms need to be more empowered about their decision. Our breasts were meant to nourish babies, I would sock anyone in the throat who tried to give me attitude about nursing. I sometimes wish someone would shoot me a dirty look in public so that I could throw down, haha. However, I live in an area of the country that is very open and accepting of breastfeeding. Almost everyone does it here and a lot of women I know nurse way past one year.

Answer 3

What works for you and your baby is the best thing for you both. Do not pay any mind to what other people think and feel about YOUR parenting choices. Breastmilk is the best thing for a baby and only does good for a baby, no matter what the age. The nutrients found in breastmilk are unique and can help a child's brain and immune system develop better than a formula fed baby or a child who drinks regular milk. I am sure that anyone who says bad things about you BF your baby will be wishing so badly they had done it longer themselves while their children are sick with the flu this winter, while yours is perfectly fine and well. Its in human nature to give parenting advice to people who do not need or want it, just because they want you to raise your child the same way they raised theirs. My opinion of BF mothers is that they are loving and caring women who want what is best for their baby and do everything they can, despite arguements from others, to make sure they follow through for their children's sake.

Answer 4

My oppinion on breast feeding mothers are that only the mom who has selflessly given up her two boobs to nuture her child has the ONLY right to decide how long. Everyone is gonna have an oppinion. And not everyone will agree with your choice, but it is your choice and no one elses, so I think you should get the right to decide if its right for you. (Ok, so I'm being redundant.) But I know what you mean. I was able to bf my daughter for 4 mo., and I always felt like others looked down on me when I was in public. I hated that feeling and wanted to be proud of what I was doing. Breastfeeding is tough work, and so is carrying a baby inside of you for 9 mo. No one else had to do all that work, so why should they have the say in how you feed your child?

Answer 5

Well i haven't gone through it yet, however my mum b.f me 'til i was about 1.5 years and same wif my bro. Is your girl happy and healthy!? I'll bet yep so don't worry what other people say! You did what u thought was right for u and your child and so did your sister! People b.f children for all different sorts of time, in my opinion there is no right or wrong its what feels right, everyone should go with their instints! I know people know b.f for a week and others for nearly 3 years so its personal choice and no one elses business!
Good luck with your little girl and don't worry what others say!

Answer 6

I breast feed my baby and am completely comfortable and at ease with it where as my sister had a baby 8 weeks before me and couldnt stand it so ended up going to the bottle. Neither my mum or my husband mum could breast feed due to medical reasons. Who cares as long as the baby is happy and healthy and both mum and baby are happy and secure.

It is no one elses business how you choose to bring your child up as long as you are not abusive. Maybe people should look in their own backyards before being critical of others.

I have breast fed so far for almost 6 weeks and will fully breast feed until six months and then I am thinking of still periodically breast feeding while introducing solids so maybe up until he is a year old. Saves money on formula and it is good bonding time that we both enjoy.

Answer 7

I can't understand why you use this twee little abbreviation:- B.F! Is "BREAST" one of those words that get beeped out of YA??


By the way, I fully support breastfeeding but DON'T think anyone should feel guilty if they can't do it.


[My milk dried up after 3 months' exclusive breastfeeding, and I had to feed my son formula. He throve!! At 13 yrs old he is 160cm + and as strong and healthy as an ox... Breastfeeding did not come "naturally" to me either ~ it was hard to get him to latch on and STAY latched on ~ he kept letting go and shaking his head around. I couldn't produce enough milk to satisfy him, in spite of using a breast pump, good nutrition, and so on.]

Answer 8

everybody needs to stop worrying about what other people think! what is most important is how you are doing, what you think AND how your baby is doing! I wanted to breast feed and i tried for several days after i gave birth but my little angel started to lose weight so fast, and too much of it that the nurses told me to not feel guilty if i decide to switch to a bottle. the great thing about the bottle is that my fantastic boyfriend can feed her and i can get some sorely needed rest! my angel has rebounded on formula and has gained over 2 lbs since birth so i'm happy that she's so healthy. again, people shouldn't worry about other people's opinions, everybody has one and it doesn't necessarily mean its the best answer.

Answer 9

I can relate. My youngest is currently 19 months and I am still breastfeeding him. Even my own mother (who didn't breastfeed any of her children, mind you) comments about how I "need to wean". When I ask "why?" she just says "You shouldn't nurse when they're old enough to talk". I know that she is ignorant when it comes to breastfeeding so I don't pay any attention to what she says. When WHO (The World Health Organization) says that RESEARCH shows the benefits of breastfeeding until 2 years old... I'll listen to them. I know that I'm doing what's best for my child... so I just brush off the ignorant comments of those who aren't informed or who are puritanically modest and uptight.

Answer 10

This is very personal and individual . what do you think the acceptance level would be in countries in Africa ..typically
longer is the norm. Here in the modern world we have
hectic typical lives that dont allow us to go through this
once in a life time opportunity and it is. There is no right or
wrong ..It's bonding and developmentally sound and as long
as its educated positively for your family needs. don't stress
the rest. If you have night time boo boo . or cuddle BF time
Let it be. Your BF time can be adapted for a quality of nursing time and snuggling and still continue daytime encouragement of sip pee cups as they find the interest.